From a photograph by Solomon D. Butcher of four daughters of rancher Joseph M. Chrisman, at their sod house in Custer County, Nebraska. From left to right, Harriet, Elizabeth, Lucie, and Ruth. Photographed in 1886.

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Muddy Fields

The rains recede.

I don't have a rain gauge at present, so I can't provide a personal report on how much it rained at my house during the recent storms. Instead, I'll report the rainfall measured by the Christian County Wx Operations Center for Hopkinsville, KY:

4.41 inches last week

3.39 inches during the first three days of this week

My sense is that we had at least that much rain where I live and possibly more, especially over the last few days. The ground is saturated, and pools of water are standing in unexpected places. Mud is everywhere, and everywhere is mud. Farmers are at a standstill with spring planting, and the soil has to dry up before I can get in my garden, too.

Near Pilot Rock Road in Christian County, KY, this afternoon.

UPDATE: On the Hoptown Hall, a Christian County farmer who lives east of Pembroke, KY, is reporting 13 inches of rainfall since the beginning of the recent storms. Another forum contributor who lives in northeast Christian County reports 5 inches of rain this week.

IT IS STILL BEST to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasure; and to be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong.(Laura Ingalls Wilder, 1867-1957)